toddler

August 14, 2025

When Should Your Baby Start Talking?

Don't worry, every child develops at their own pace!

Understanding the speech development in toddlers can help you support their language skills better.

Speech Development Milestones for Toddlers

It's perfectly normal for babies to develop at their own pace. At 16 months, many children are still mastering the art of speech and may not yet clearly say 'mama' or 'dada' in context. Instead, they might babble or say syllables that resemble these words.

What Is Considered Normal?

By 12 to 18 months, most toddlers will typically say a few simple words and may follow simple commands. However, some may only experiment with different sounds or syllables.

When Should You Be Concerned?

If your child is not making any attempts to communicate or engage with you through sounds or gestures, it may be worth consulting with a pediatrician. Early intervention can be helpful if there are any concerns.

Supporting Your Child's Development

To encourage your baby's speech, spend time talking to them, reading stories, and singing songs. Interactive communication can help them develop their vocabulary and confidence.

Conclusion

In summary, don't worry too much if your child is not speaking as clearly as you might expect at 16 months. Keep supporting their communication skills, and trust the natural development process! You are doing great as a parent.